All Things Lancaster

We seem to be on a bit of Lancaster roll at the Friends of the Odd Bods website lately. That iconic WW2 aircraft has been in the news for a variety of reasons.

We recently posted an article about the flight of one of the last two flying condition Lancasters back in July – see article here.

And then Assistant Editor, Michael Rossiter, posted a great diagrammatic of the Lancaster showing the crew positions in the aircraft and giving some interesting general information - see article here.

Just last week our President, Bruce Waxman, alerted us to a novel with a link to WW2 Lancasters. The book is titled “The Diggers Rest Hotel” and includes a character (Charlie Berlin) who was a Lancaster Pilot. Here is part of a review on Goodreads –

“In 1947, two years after witnessing the death of a young Jewish woman in Poland, Charlie Berlin has rejoined the police force a different man. Sent to investigate a spate of robberies in rural Victoria, he soon discovers that World War II has changed even the most ordinary of places and people.

An ex-bomber pilot and former POW, Berlin is struggling to fit back in: grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, the ghosts of his dead crew and his futile attempts to numb the pain.

When Berlin travels to Albury–Wodonga to track down the gang behind the robberies, he suspects he's a problem cop being set up to fail. Taking a room at the Diggers Rest Hotel in Wodonga, he sets about solving a case that no one else can – with the help of feisty, ambitious journalist Rebecca Green and rookie constable Rob Roberts, the only cop in town he can trust.

The first Charlie Berlin mystery takes us into a world of secret alliances and loyalties – and a society dealing with the effects of a war that changed men forever.”

And finally, we received an email highlighting a new product available from the Imperial War Museum in the UK. It is a metal construction kit of a Lancaster with over 385 pieces. The kit is aimed at young enthusiasts but as one of our older members suggested “To hell with the Grandkids, I wouldn’t mind a go at that”. Here is a link if you want to purchase the model - https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/26264/Lancaster-bomber-construction-set

Did You Know This Information Was in the Airmen's Logbook?

In the example above, some Airmen listed this interesting information in the back of their Logbooks. This valuable information shows where they served (Unit), the dates they were attached to the unit and where the unit was located.

If you have a relatives logbook, knowing this may help if you want to see where they were.  The above Airmen turned 18 in August 1942 and signed up shortly after. 

Lancaster Bomber Crew Positions and Data

 

There were 7 Crew Positions on a Lancaster Bomber. They are;

1) Pilot;

2) Flight Engineer;

3) Navigator;

4) Wireless Operator;

5) Bomb Aimer;

6) Mid Gunner; and

7) Rear Gunner.

Did you know that the aircraft has a wing span of 102 feet or 31 metres?  It could fly at 280 mph or 450 kph and had a range of 2530 miles or 4070 kilometres.  (Photo from Facebook).

Rare Lancaster Delights Locals In UK With Flyover

There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world and Covid restrictions have pretty much kept them grounded but a flight over Lincolnshire in July was an exciting boost for locals and aircraft enthusiasts.

The Lancaster was the RAF’s most famous bomber during World War Two and was immortalised by the Dambusters ‘bouncing bomb’ raid on Germany in 1943.

Pilots and engineers from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight put Lancaster PA474 through her paces after taking off from their home base at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

An RAF Coningsby spokesman said: “The Avro Lancaster PA474 took to the sky for the first flight of 2020.

“Maintaining the skills of the aircrew and putting the aircraft through her checks.

“It’s so lovely seeing her fly again!”

The other airworthy Lancaster is based in Canada. 

Halifax's And 462 Squadron Remembered In Bomber Command Ceremony In SA

From RAAFA publication Wings Magazine - 

"In a small ceremony held at the Air Force Memorial in Adelaide on 30 May, RAAF Edinburgh and the RAAF Association (South Australia) partnered to honour those who served in Bomber Command during World War II.

At the Torrens Parade Ground, Senior Air Force Representative – South Australia and Air Warfare Centre Commander AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers and RAAFA (South Australia) President Robert Black AM joined Commanding Officer 462SQN WGCDR David Clyde, other ADF representatives, SA Governor Hieu Van Le, SA Premier Steven Marshall and a representative of the Opposition to lay wreaths in commemoration of those who served.

GPCAPT (Retd) Robert Black noted how wonderful it was to have RAAF Edinburgh and RAAF Association come together for such important ceremonies, stressing how it served as a means of passing on the legacy to today’s serving veterans.

GPCAPT Greg Weller, Director Community Engagement, said the commemoration has become one of the key ceremonies for which RAAF Edinburgh partners with the RAAF Association every year.

WGCDR Clyde said the ceremony is even more important for RAAF Edinburgh, recognising that No.462 Squadron, a distinguished RAAF Bomber Command Unit, was now a reformed RAAF Squadron.

“462SQN was part of the No.100 Group of Bomber Command that was responsible for countermeasures and jamming enemy radars,” WGCDR Clyde said.

The Squadron’s Halifax aircraft were modified with electronic jamming equipment to interfere with German night-fighter and ground-based radars and communications.

“Today the 462SQN patch with the three vertical yellow stripes that were emblazoned on the Halifax tail and Z5 on its body to make it easily identifiable within the RAF that the aircraft was utilised by 462SQN is a continual reminder of the Squadron’s historical links and significant operational achievements,” Squadron Warrant Officer 462SQN Darren Rhodes said.

Eight RAAF squadrons and about 10,000 Australian airmen served with Bomber Command in Australian and composite squadrons in RAAF or RAF uniforms. Of those 10,000, just over one-third paid the ultimate sacrifice. Today, the RAAF, once again, operates 460 and 462 Squadrons within the Air Warfare Centre — both originally distinguished Australian units within Bomber Command. 

WORDS Flight Lieutenant Bel Scott"

Covid and War

A recent street interview segment on TV included a couple aged in their 90’s who claimed they had a distinct advantage over most of the current generations experiencing the Covid19 pandemic. They had been here before.

They explained that the extreme sacrifices made during WW2 had prepared them for the difficulties we are now facing with the coronavirus pandemic and social lockdown.

And there are many similarities – a formidable opponent, untimely deaths, community fear, mobilising resources to fight the enemy, a focus on leadership, a general re-assessment of life’s priorities, and the list goes on.

Community attitudes are certainly facing some tough tests. And perhaps a significant element is the call for social responsibility. The early days of the pandemic showed some of the worst of human nature with widespread avoidance of rules designed to counter the impact of Covid19.

One street interview that received a lot of play involved a young café owner in Melbourne stating he was ignoring calls for restrictions because “this was just an old person’s illness”. Governmental and community attitudes (bolstered by police action) have since swung in favour of “this is a war we all need to fight.” Victoria’s strong reaction to the “second wave” and general community adherence to the Stage 4 lockdown rules is evidence of that. We don’t quite have the public cohesion that existed in WW2 but we are getting there.

There are other similarities with WW2. The army has been called in to assist although the frontline on this occasion is more likely to be health staff. The role performed by doctors, nurses, indeed all associated with health has received widespread admiration. And ironically, their most at-risk patients are likely to be war veterans.

One of our veterans tells us his family has been sending food parcels to him in his aged care facility, and it reminded him of how families would often send food to their serving sons, daughters, and siblings overseas during WW2. Forced separation from families is not new to veterans.

Covid19 and WW2 are quite different scenarios and this article does not attempt to fully analyse the relationship. But, if you come across some older Australians who seem to be handling the situation quite well, there is a reason – they have been here before.

 

15/8/2020 

Odd Bods Mentioned on VP Day

 The 75^th Anniversary of Victory In Pacific Day was the subject of a livestream from The Shrine today and the Odd Bods got a mention courtesy of Frank Sims and Jack Bell.

Under Covid restrictions there wasn’t much live content in the broadcast but lots of fascinating WW2 stories including those of our Odd Bod veterans. (see photos below)

A young Jack Bell shows up in the broadcast from the Shrine

One In A Million – Wall Of Respect - Recognising WW2 Veterans On A Special Day

The Federal Government has launched a One In A Million campaign to coincide with the 75^th anniversary of Victory In The Pacific Day on 15^th August 2020.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the campaign is a way for every generation of Australians to learn about our veterans and also about their own family history.

 “From the declaration of war in 1939, to the long awaited words of Prime Minister Ben Chifley, “the war is over” on 15 August 1945, almost one million Australians served in the Second World War,” Mr Morrison said.

 “This service was at a time when our national population was only seven million people, making their story truly remarkable, and their service and sacrifice something we should never forget.”

 Australians can participate in the #OneInAMillion: Wall of Respect project by posting to their social media an image of them holding a photo of a family member who served in the Second World War, with the hashtag #OneInAMillion.

 Friends of the Odd Bods who don’t have a social media connection can send photos direct to us and we will post on the association’s Facebook page. Please include the name of the veteran and the name of the holder with the photo.

 Shrine of Remembrance Service – VP Day

The Melbourne Shrine will be conducting a commemorative broadcast on Saturday 15^th August at 11:20am. The service will not be open to public attendance but it will be live streamed from the Shrine via their website and facebook page. The broadcast commences at 11:20 and continues until 12 noon.

Odd Bods Support For Disadvantaged Children In India

 Friends of the Odd Bods support three children at the Raphael Ryder Cheshire centre in India and staff have sent us their best wishes along with the latest reports on Asma, Sarthak and Abbas.

In a long held tradition The Friends contribute to the upkeep of these children from Association funds and a number of members supplement with additional contributions.

Our charges are certainly growing quickly as the additional photo of Asma (taken just two years ago) shows.

Asma Today

Activities of Friends of the Odd Bods

Friends of the Odd Bods engage in a number of activities throughout the year and we report on most of them through this website. But sometimes it helps to see these activities all in one place so we can get an overview of  what we do.

Here is the official Activities Statement presented at the AGM in May 2020.  

 The Friends Of The Odd Bods Association Inc

Statement of Activities 2019

For the period January 1 2019 – December 31 2019 the Friends Of The Odd Bods Association Inc has undertaken the following – 

1. Conducted an Annual General Meeting

2. Conducted 4 Committee meetings

3. Attended the Melbourne Anzac Day March and held the Annual Association Reunion

4. Maintained contact with Wesley College including having students carry the Association banner on Anzac Day

5. Attended the VE Day memorial service at The Shrine of Remembrance

6. Attended the Bomber Command Association Memorial Service at The Shrine of Remembrance

7. Attended the Battle of Britain Memorial Service in Hobart

8. Attended and contributed to The Kindred Organisations And Unit Associations meetings

9. Maintained an independent blog and website, as well as a hard copy newsletter

10. Maintained charitable donations to the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation

11. Maintained sponsorship of 3 children in India through Ryder-Cheshire

12. Provided practical help and support to veteran members

13. Maintained communication with veteran’s widows through sending birthday cards 

14. Adhered to the Association’s Purpose Statement

15. Commenced a formal relationship with The Point Cook Airforce Museum to house and display relevant material and memorabilia from the Association and its members.

16. Attended the Odd Bods memorial and banner at The Heidelberg Repatriation General Hospital on Remembrance Day.

17. Obtained approval for the placement of a memorial plaque in the grounds of the Australian war memorial; commissioned forging of the plaque and initiated the Order Of Service for its dedication

 Peter Randell – Secretary – Friends Of The Odd Bods Association Inc.

              

                

New Medallion To Celebrate 75th Anniversary of War Ending

On 1st July this year the Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced it will produce a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration to acknowledge the significance of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The medallion and certificate will be made available to every living veteran of the Second World War.

Full details can be found here -  COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLION

PS - One of our members has praised the introduction of this medal to celebrate a significant anniversary but wonders why it only applies to living veterans. They argue that the service of deceased veterans was just as relevant and many families would like to honour the occasion.

Maybe the certificate component at least could be extended to all veterans, past and present? What do you think? - Ed

COMMENTS: From our Facebook page - 28/7/2020

Peter Smith

Dead or alive they did their service, they all earned this medal

Rosemaree Matta

I would love to have one in honour of my Dad's service.

Murray Trigg

Me too Cath X

Victory In The Pacific Day (VP Day) To Be Livestreamed From Shrine

The 75th anniversary of Victory In The Pacific Day (VP Day) will be celebrated at the Melbourne Shrine on Saturday 15th August 2020.

The RSL had intended to invite 25 veterans to the service and display 48 WWII banners normally brought out for ANZAC Day. 
Unfortunately the lockdown measures re-introduced yesterday in Victoria have put an end to any public attendance however the service will go ahead and be livestreamed on Facebook. Put this link in your diary for Saturday 15th - https://www.facebook.com/rslvic/

The livestream was originally starting at 10:50 before the official service at 11:00. You may need to check those times closer to the date.

Handley Page Halifax Rescue Group

The Handley Page Halifax played a significant role in WW2 with examples being flown by the RAF, RAAF, and RCAF. A Canadian group (Halifax 57 Rescue Canada) has dedicated itself to recovering and restoring the aircraft.

To their merit, the Canadian group set a record for a heavy bomber underwater recovery with the lift of submerged RAF Halifax NA337, which rested 240 meters deep in Lake Mjosa, Norway. The organization also recovered RCAF Halifax LW682 in Belgium with the remains of her missing crew still aboard. Efforts are ongoing to bring a second Halifax to Canada, which will be displayed at the affiliated Bomber Command Museum of Canada (BCMC). 

Yet another initiative in process involves the effort to retrieve Halifax HR980 and her crew of Canadians and Australians from a swamp north of Berlin, Germany.

An article in the Military Aviation Chronicles claims that the Handley Page Halifax was arguably more significant to the war effort than the revered Avro Lancaster - “The Halifax . . . was to score over the Lancaster in its multi-role capability, for in addition to its deployment as a night-bomber, it was equally at home when employed as an ambulance, freighter, glider tug, personnel transport, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft.”

You can read more here

Thank you to Bryan Wilcockson for referring this link.

Odd Bods Plaque Dedication Features In RAAFA Wings Magazine

The Winter 2020 edition of the RAAFA "Wings" magazine contains the usual variety of fascinating RAAF related articles including the complete transcript of Friends Patron, AVM (Rtd) Peter Scully's address at the Australian War Memorial Plaque Dedication last year.

The article can be seen below. Click on the photo if you would like to see more.

Dame Vera Lynn Well Remembered

Dame Vera Lynn passed away in England on Thursday at the age of 103. Just a few weeks ago we published a rousing video about Dame Vera and her endearing influence particularly during WW2 with songs like The White Cliffs Of Dover, and We Shall Meet Again (see below).

In reference to separation caused by Covid 19 the Queen recently told the nation: "We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again", in obvious reference to the lyrics of one of Dame Vera’s songs.

Dame Vera will be well remembered by many of our veterans and their families.

Dame Vera Lynn Sings A Couple of Classics

Veterans and many of their family members will know the words to these classics from WW2 - "The White Cliffs of Dover" and "We'll Meet Again".
Get out the tissues, tune up the vocal cords, and click on the photo for a nostalgic treat. 



Postscript: A verse in the song "The White Cliffs of Dover", which is not always heard in recordings, contains the following reference to Airmen - 
"I'll never forget the people I met braving those angry skies.
I remember well as the shadows fell, the light of hope in their eyes.
And tho' I'm far away, I can still hear them say "Thumbs Up!"
for when the dawn comes up,... There'll be blue birds over..."

VE Day Service 2020 Livestreamed From Shrine

Friends of theOdd Bods Wreath (right) laid in the Inner Sanctum of the Shrine today 8/5/2020

VE Day commemorates a very special day for Odd Bods and their families.


The RSL held a State Remembrance Service, in conjunction with the Friends of the Odd Bods Association, at the Shrine of Remembrance on Friday, 8th May 2020, commencing at 11:00am,  to commemorate the Second World War Victory in Europe. There was no public attendance at the service but a special livestream was accessible from the Shrine's facebook page.

Here is the link - https://www.facebook.com/shrineofremembrance/videos/2932313203518946/

You might also like to check out this story sent to us by Terry Maher on how different countries around the world reacted to VE Day. - https://www.history.com/news/v-e-day-around-the-world

From today's VE Day service in the Inner Sanctum of the Shrine - 8/5/2020

President Bruce Waxman pictured at the Odd Bods Tree in the grounds of the Shrine prior to todays VE Day service. - 8/5/2020

Thank you Jan - a big thank you to Jan Dimmick who produced that beautiful wreath you see in these photos.

ANZAC Commemorations In Isolation

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed aspects of our lives but the challenges of isolation have been successfully addressed by many when it comes to commemorating ANZAC Day.

A social media campaign encouraged participants to stand at the end of their driveways, in their front yards, or on their balconies at dawn on 25th April 2020.

Our lead photo shows FOTOBAI President Bruce Waxman and family standing at the end of their driveway in Merricks North Vic this morning as part of the #StandTo initiative set up by the RSL. It certainly helps to have a trumpeter in the family.

Australian War Memorial Canberra

Traditional centres of ANZAC Day gatherings like the Shrine of Rememberance and Australian War Memorial were eerily devoid of crowds this morning but there is a sense that individual commemorations like the one shown above have maintained the very strong association that Australians (and New Zealanders) hold with the ANZAC story. 

We are already receiving messages from members of the Odd Bod family in Australia and across the globe about their participation on this special day. Feel free to send us your experiences.

And just a note that the photo of the eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial was posted by the ABC this morning from the same courtyard that houses our Odd Bods bronze plaque.

Frank Sims With His Family In The Driveway Of Their Home On ANZAC Day 2020

Frank Sims has once again featured in the media with an interview from his driveway at dawn this morning. Frank talked about the way he normally celebrates ANZAC Day and although it is not the same this year he believes this is a very good way of commemorating the event.
You can see the full interview by going to this link - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-25/melbourne-anzac-day-wwii-vet-frank-sims-celebrates-in-driveway/12184530

POSTSCRIPT:
25/4/2020 A message from Bryan Wilcockson in UK this morning: "My thoughts are with you all on this ‘virtual’ ANZAC day. Maybe the first time in history that social distancing means there cannot be a parade, hopefully the last, but that does not mean that we cannot remember.
I’ll be wearing my ANZAC badges (tomorrow for me, today for you) around forgotten airfields. Maybe nobody will see them, but heroes don’t have to be seen to be remembered.
Enjoy the day! - Wombat"

Posted By Carol McCabe on Facebook - "Fantastic ODDBODS. Well done. I was outside my house high up in Toowoomba with views to the east. My dad was a longterm ODDBODS member in Victoria and made the banner which is at Heidelberg Repat. Dad and mum came up to Toowoomba to be with me in the 90s and dad passed away peacefully at the local RSL nursing home some years later."

Last Post ANZAC Initiative - Even More Posts From Members

 ANZAC Day 2020 is taking place without the usual social get together, and we are inviting readers to post their stories as a way of celebrating this very special day in a slightly different way. 
The response has been wonderful and this is now the third article to include posts from members.
Details of how to become involved can be found here - ANZAC Day Initiative - The Last Post Award - Inviting Your Contributions  The deadline is this Friday.

From Fay & Gerald McPherson - 

This is a photo of the three McPherson Brothers, who all served in the RAAF in World War 2.  They all became Commissioned Officers, so this photo is very precious to Gerald, now the last surviving brother.

From left to right  -   Cyril McPherson, Vultee Vengeance pilot, based at Batchelor NT and also the islands north of Australia.  Harry McPherson, Halifax rear gunner and Gerald McPherson, Lancaster rear gunner, both in Bomber Command. 

Some Photos from David Davine - 

Anzac Day 2005

ANZAC Day 2008

ANZAC Day 2008

ANZAC Day 2014

Friends of the Odd Bods President Bruce Waxman tells us he will be joining his Daughter, Amelia Bicknell, paramedic with AV and trumpeter with the Stonnington Brass Band, both in uniform, as she plays the Last Post and he salutes, candle in hand, for #Standto at the front gate of his property at Merricks North on ANZAC Day 25 April 2020 at 0600 hrs.

ANZAC Day 2015

In a previous article we posted a photo from John Eacott of Odd Bods lining up in Flinders St. one fine ANZAC morning and we weren't too sure whether it was 2014 or 2015. Well, Gary Elliot has confirmed that photo was 2014 because this one was 2015 and the weather was quite different.







Georgina Akers sent us these photos of her Father, Colin (Bill) Akers DFC, and included a story published in a Wonthaggi newspaper on his return to Australia in April 1945. You will find a link to that story in the "Stories of Odd Bods" column on the left of this page.

Is This The Best Aircraft Sound Ever - (Turn up the volume)